FAQs

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Company

I need to sell my current boat before I can buy another, what do I do?

Your local Southport dealer can offer suggestions regarding how best to sell your boat. Depending on the model of the boat they may want to take it in trade, recommend a broker you can list it with, or give you guidance on how to sell it as a private sale.

My local dealer does not appear to have the model I want available, what do I do?

Tell your local dealer what model you are interested in and they will help you. Your local Southport dealer is part of a team of professionals who work together, often sharing inventory and assisting each other. Your local dealer may have a boat on order which could be delivered quickly and outfitted with the specific color, options, and accessories that are important to you.

How do I get a ride on a Southport?

Your local dealer can provide opportunities for you to experience the performance, fun, and unequaled ride of a Southport. Don’t be surprised if they suggest a test ride when the wind is blowing or the surf is high. You can’t fully appreciate Southport’s remarkable Hunt 4 Hull design on a flat calm day. You can find your closest dealer by using our Dealer Locator Page.

Why should I buy from my local dealer?

We believe it is important to establish a relationship with the Southport dealer located closest to where you will do most of your boating. Your local dealer can offer expert customer service and support regarding maintenance, repairs, and / or desired equipment upgrades.

Do you sell direct from factory?

We do not sell direct. All boats are sold exclusively through our dealer network. You can find your local dealer using our Dealer Locator tool.

Some people say the test of a good boat is its warranty and the willingness of the company to stand behind its product. What is Southport’s policy?

We agree the measure of the builder is his reputation for supporting his product. For this reason Southport offers an industry standard warranty. But more important than the rhetoric is the philosophy. The Maine boat building community is known for both craftsmanship and integrity. Southport carries on with this tradition by marketing exclusively through dealers, who in turn are chosen for their ability to deliver the highest quality of customer service, including full and unquestioned implementation of our factory warranty.

Does Southport have plans for larger or smaller boats?

Yes, we continue to work with the folks at C. Raymond Hunt Associates to develop new models. If you are interested in learning more, call the factory for the latest information.

What does the future hold for Southport? After all, the original builder has already failed?

The ownership at Southport reflects the Maine boat building culture with a reputation for honesty and integrity and a commitment to quality craftsmanship. As a result we will continue to build to market demand and deliver the highest possible quality boats in their class. Southport is owned by a financially stable, 65 year old family company that also operates in the energy, chemical and paper industries all of which insure longevity for the Southport Boats division.

Features

Is the side door from the 33 available on other models?

The Engineering Department is working on migrating the 33 door to the 292. At this time there is not enough cockpit space to include the side door on the 272.

Almost all the Southports I see are white. Can I get a colored hull?

Actually, a number of boats have been built with colored hulls. Southport Boats offers a series of optional gelcoat colors, as well as the almost unlimited color pallet included in the AWLgrip urethane paint chart.

I need a boat that can be trailered to my house for storage, can I do that with a Southport?

Yes, but you should verify your state’s rules and regulations regarding potential limitations or requirements.

Is the Southport available as a single engine boat?

Yes, there were a number of single engine 26 CC’s (our 27 CC) delivered by the original builder. Owners tell us the boat handles like a dream, is obviously more economical to operate and maintain. and sacrifices only about 6-8 MPH top speed.

The newly announced 272 TE was envisioned with a single outboard as the standard power option, and can be outfitted with a single 300 or 350hp engine.

Can I order a customized Southport?

Yes. Southport is not a high volume builder, which permits us to respond to good ideas from our present and prospective owners. At Southport we will take the time to build unique and custom elements for an owner as long as the request can be adapted to the basic hull and deck plan.

Some people say the test of a good boat is its warranty and the willingness of the company to stand behind its product. What is Southport’s policy?

We agree the measure of the builder is his reputation for supporting his product. For this reason Southport offers an industry standard warranty. But more important than the rhetoric is the philosophy. The Maine boat building community is known for both craftsmanship and integrity. Southport carries on with this tradition by marketing exclusively through dealers, who in turn are chosen for their ability to deliver the highest quality of customer service, including full and unquestioned implementation of our factory warranty.

You talk about legacy of Southport boats. What does that mean?

The founders of Southport boats were icons in the marine industry, experienced offshore fisherman, offshore racing enthusiasts, and completely dedicated to developing a new hull design that would meet their extremely high standards. Working with the team at C. Raymond Hunt Associates, they developed a fabulous running boat, which we continue to fine tune and improve. We continue to work with the folks at Hunt as we make plans to build new models and add to the Southport line of soft riding, stable, exciting boats.

Why are Southport boats easy to clean and maintain?

Because Southports are thoughtfully designed and built using the highest quality materials and components, maintenance is relatively easy. A simple wash with soap and water followed with a fresh water rinse after each use will help maintain the beauty of your Southport. Scuppers and drainage channels quickly evacuate water from storage compartments and the cockpit. Having your dealer perform factory recommended service on the outboards will ensure you are running safely and efficiently.

Why are Southport boats affordable to operate?

Southport’s Hunt4 Design hull was developed specifically to maximize the performance and power of modern dual outboards. Expertly balanced, the hull design delivers a clean, responsive and efficient ride which provides good fuel economy. Run a Southport at 3,500 rpm, a speed of 31 mph, and you will burn less than 17 gallons per hour – almost 2 miles per gallon. Throttle back to a typical cruising speed of 24-25 mph and you will burn less than 13 gallons per hour. Check out the Yamaha Performance details for all models to see how economical a Southport performs.

Safety

Some people say the test of a good boat is its warranty and the willingness of the company to stand behind its product. What is Southport’s policy?

We agree the measure of the builder is his reputation for supporting his product. For this reason Southport offers an industry standard warranty. But more important than the rhetoric is the philosophy. The Maine boat building community is known for both craftsmanship and integrity. Southport carries on with this tradition by marketing exclusively through dealers, who in turn are chosen for their ability to deliver the highest quality of customer service, including full and unquestioned implementation of our factory warranty.

Why would I buy a new Southport when I can buy a used one?

There are several advantages to buying a new boat versus a used one:

A new boat will have a more valid and longer length warranty than a used boat.

You have the opportunity to select the accessories and options you value the most.

You can install the most current electronics and equipment without the compatibility concerns of older equipment.

You benefit from the most reliable and fuel-efficient outboard engines available.

A new Southport has all the latest improvements that we continue making to the boat, the accessory equipment, and the manufacturing process.

What changes have you made to the original Southports?

Without changing the performance of Southport Boats, the new ownership has “fine-tuned” the construction in many ways. A few of the most significant changes are:

The transition to vacuum infusion for all major components, including the hull, cockpit liner, deck, console, leaning post, and similar large parts. This modern approach produces 100% void free laminate that is exactly the same every time. Using the vacuum infusion process allowed us to re-engineered the laminate, adding 160% more glass fiber in the hull sides, 100% more in the hull bottom, and 80% more in the transom. The result is a significantly stronger boat than before, with much higher construction quality, and increased panel stiffness, all without any added weight.

We use vinyl ester resins on all major structural components (hull, internal grid unit, cockpit liner, deck) that have been specifically formulated for high strength and blister resistance. Additionally, we have increased the exterior skin coat thickness against the gel coat surface by 50% and added a vinyl ester barrier coat that further guards against water permeation and blistering but also improves cosmetic properties.

We have transitioned to a higher density core material (more than 180% improved) as we re-engineered the overall laminate. Our goal is to be 100% free of structural warranty claims and to NEVER have a transom failure on a Maine-built Southport. Never.

We have upgraded the wiring system making it ABYC compliant and now install a high quality Pacer switch panel on the dash that provides more space for electronics.

We have modernized the plumbing system and switched to a Techma Easy Fit-series marine head, which minimizes water consumption, is ergonomically superior, and simplifies maintenance. A console port light is now standard and provides ventilation and natural light.

We have upgraded all thru-hull fittings to ABCY approved Marelon® composite reinforced polymer fittings. This superior marine-grade material is non-corrosive and reduces the risk of galvanic electrolysis.

Many supplier components have been upgraded. The fiberglass hardtop is now fabricated in-house by Southport. Structural members of the T-Top frame have been upgraded to 2” Schedule 80 piping with improved structural bracing and overall aesthetic design. The top itself is solid fiberglass with embedded mounting points, including the ability to retrofit outriggers at a dealership. Non-skid has been added to the top surface such that a second station could be added while lighting is all premium LED, with dual color or tricolor lights at the navigation station. The top comes with an available heavy duty “super clear” acrylic windshield that provides excellent weather protection and there is an option for a wiper with a fresh water rinse.

Safety is important to me. What makes Southport a safe boat?

Southport’s unique hull design, wide stable platform, and smooth predictable handling provide safety you can feel. High speed turns are not scary, they are fun; slicing through large waves in a strong wind is not nerve-wracking, it is exciting. High strength vacuumed infused parts, high quality components, and attention to construction detail ensure that every Southport can withstand all the punishment thrown at it. Although not required by law, we insist that all voids beneath the floor are filled with closed cell foam floatation to provide an extraordinary amount of buoyancy capable of keeping a Southport afloat. On every ride you will appreciate and feel the safety built into every Southport.